Using visual supports, e.g. symbols, pictures, photographs or objects, can support understanding for children/young people with additional support needs. You may find it helpful to use visual supports at home to help support the return to school. If your child is known to the Speech and Language Service your named therapist will be able to provide you with specific advice and guidance for your child.
You may wish to introduce a visual timetable (click here for an example) or a choice board (click here for an example) to help create predictability and routine. This can be done in a variety of different ways: you can use pictures, written schedules, white boards or simply post-its you have created yourself. There are different forms that you can use and some of the websites below will provide you with ideas.
A simple “First/Then” (click here for an example) will be help to give a sense of what order things are happening in.
Helpful websites for visual supports:
Click the following list to access more information on visual supports:
Supporting structure and routine-Aberdeenshire Council’s ASN website
Third Space– has a variety of symbols and visual resources to download for use at home.
Call Scotland- symbols resources
NAS- strategies for visual supports
Twinkl- resources for visual timetables
Widgitonline
